Shelter Inspections Conducted Throughout TCI To Strengthen Disaster Preparedness

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) advises that comprehensive shelter inspections are being carried out across the country as part of ongoing national disaster preparedness efforts.

DDME Deputy Director, Mr. Kevern De Bellott; Community Preparedness Manager, Mr. Desmond Lightbourne Lightbourne; Community Preparedness Officer, Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Stakeholders and DDME volunteers conducting shelter inspections on various islands

This important undertaking is being led by DDME, with valued support from the Department of Community Support and Engagement, Public Works Department, TCI Fire & Rescue Service and DDME Volunteers. The collaborative effort ensures that all designated emergency shelters are assessed for safety, proper facilities, and overall suitability to accommodate displaced persons during emergencies.

A total of 32 shelters has been inspected across the islands thus far, including 13 in Providenciales, 4 in North Caicos, 3 in Middle Caicos, 3 in South Caicos, 2 in Salt Cay and 7 in Grand Turk.

It is important to note that emergency shelters are not only activated during hurricanes, but also temporarily in response to other events such as fires and flooding, where multiple individuals may be displaced. Shelter support for 2026 has been provided on the island of Providenciales on three separate occasions, to facilitate emergency response efforts; this therefore underscores the importance of maintaining ‘year-round ready’ shelters. These efforts are key priorities in strengthening national resilience and emergency response capacity.

The Department is actively seeking to add new shelters to the list of Official Shelters for 2026. Members of the public and private sector are also encouraged to partner with DDME by offering suitable buildings that may be used as emergency shelters.

 Interested persons are invited to email ddme.tci@gmail.com, include your name, number and location of the building. Write SHELTER on the email subject line. If you wish to volunteer with DDME, send an email to ddme.tci@gmail.com, include your name, age, phone number and location/community that you reside. Write VOLUNTEER on the email subject line.

DDME said it remains committed to proactive planning and collaboration to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents during disasters and emergencies.